Egyptian agency enters into PR partnership deal

Global PR agency Burson-Marsteller has signed a partnership deal with Egyptian firm Active PR to strengthen its presence in the region.

Global PR agency Burson-Marsteller has signed a partnership deal with Egyptian firm Active PR to strengthen its presence in the region. The international consultancy said that its tie-up with Active PR bolstered its network in a “rapidly growing region” and would allow it to address global PR issues locally for its clients. Burson-Marsteller already provides its clients with coverage in the region through its exclusive affiliate Bates PanGulf, which will now work in partnership with Active PR. Active PR’s managing director, Mohamed El Koossy, said: “This affiliation is a great opportunity for more growth in the region. I’m sure that this relationship will result in us accomplishing even more impressive work.” Per Heggenes, CEO of Burson-Marsteller United Kingdom and worldwide director of affiliate relationships, said: “Mohamed El Koossy has over a relatively short period of time built up an impressive operation in Egypt. We are excited about having an exclusive relationship with one of Egypt’s leading PR agencies.” Active PR specialises in the public affairs sector and non-profit communication campaigns, managing a portfolio that includes clients such as Jotun, Daimler Chrysler, Heinz, Coca-Cola, Kodak, Unicef, World Gold Council, Amnesty International and Al Azhar University. “Egypt is becoming ever more important for our clients in the region and Active PR is an incredibly impressive agency that fits perfectly into our network,” said Bates PanGulf’s chief operating officer Oliver Stelling. “The collaboration has already started and from now on we will act as their exclusive partner in the Gulf and vice-versa.” The new affiliation marks Burson-Marsteller’s second expansion so far this year, after it made a deal with Finnish PR firm Phojoisranta in February. Burson-Marsteller’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa currently includes 16 wholly-owned offices and 49 affiliate offices.